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The team sat there in despondent silence until Ross declared, ‘I can think of a way of proving the watch belonged to Faulkner.’

‘Legal and above board?’ queried William, sounding sceptical.

‘Not entirely,’ admitted Ross, ‘but it wouldn’t leave a jury in any doubt who the watch belonged to.’

•••

Miles picked up the phone on his desk and listened.

‘Mr Faulkner?’ said a voice.

‘Who’s asking?’

‘Jake Burrows, sir. We were at the Scrubs together and …’

Miles was about to slam down the phone when Burrows added, ‘I think I’ve got something that belongs to you.’

‘Like what?’ said Miles.

‘A Rolex Daytona.’

‘What makes you think it’s mine?’

‘It’s gotLove Christinainscribed on the back, and Iremember you wearing it when you worked in the library – offered you ten thousand for it and you laughed at me.’

‘How did you get hold of it?’ asked Miles.

‘A customer brought the piece into my shop a few days ago, wanting to sell it. But you aren’t the easiest person to track down.’

‘Describe him,’ said Miles.

‘Tall, thin, athletic build, wore dark glasses and a baseball cap – but then a lot of my customers do, Mr Faulkner, if you catch my drift.’

‘How much did he want for it?’ asked Faulkner, still probing.

‘Ten thousand, but I didn’t have that much in cash at the time, so he settled for eight.’

‘I’ll give you six,’ said Miles.

‘But I paid eight for it, Mr Faulkner.’

‘Stolen goods,’ said Miles. ‘One phone call and you’ll be back in the Scrubs.’

A long silence followed before Burrows said, ‘You win, Mr Faulkner. When can I expect you to pick it up?’

Miles hung up.

Burrows put the phone down and turned to face the man standing by his side. ‘Couldn’t have gone better,’ said Ross. ‘Just remember to call me the moment Faulkner turns up.’

‘Will do, Mr Hogan.’

‘And I’ll be taking any cash Faulkner gives you, as evidence.’

‘Then what’s in it for me, Mr Hogan?’

‘I’m sure there’ll come a time in the not-too-distant future, Jake, when you’ll be up in front of the beak and needing a helping hand.’

Burrows couldn’t disagree.